We want to know more about young people's mental health
Throughout June 2024 to February 2025, Healthwatch Medway, with the teamwork of our project partners, spoke to over 300 people about the pressing issue of young people's self-harm. The aims of the project were to enhance system-wide understanding of self-harm and the factors driving children and young people between the ages of 10-24 to engage in such behaviours.
Through collaboration between Healthwatch Medway, Healthwatch Kent, MVA Kent and Medway, Medway Council’s Public Health Team and Medway and Swale Health and Care Partnership, the project sought to identify contributing factors, gaps in and opportunities to improve outcomes for children and young people in Medway and Swale. This included:
- Gaining insights into perceptions of self-harm among children and young people, communities, and professionals.
- Exploring the underlying causes of self-harm as defined by children and young people.
- Support for children and young people, from a holistic perspective, considering broader health determinants.
Since 2017, NHS England has conducted a series of national surveys to study the mental health of children and young people. Four follow-up surveys were conducted in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The data suggests that in Kent and Medway, 59,362 children and young people aged 5 to 17 may have a probable mental health disorder and will need to access advice, support or interventions.
The monthly average of children and young people under 18 from Medway and Swale attending A&E for self-harm at Medway Foundation Trust is higher than the national average. Specifically, the average attendance data nationally is ten CYP monthly, while at Medway Foundation Trust it was 33 from November 2022 to January 2024.
To find out more, read our report below and let us know what you think by using our 'share your thoughts' block at the bottom of the page.
Young Minds, Hidden Struggles
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